Sir, I write in response to your article 'Mitchell Dam supporters slammed' (Bairnsdale Advertiser 31/10) in the interest of setting your readers and Mr Craig Ingram MP straight.

For many years the Australian Greens have been campaigning for better amd more sustainable environmental flows for river systems across this country. This, of course, includes the once-might Murray River. We oppose the north-south pipeline because of the precious water that would be extracted from an already stressed river system.

Melbourne, like Adelaide, needs to wean itself off the Murray. Each year in the Victorian capitial, 500 gigalitres flows from the stormwater straight out to sea. This could be, and must be, captured, reused and recycled to supply Melbourne - no dam required.

Despite what Mr Ingram claims, I have never supported damming the Mitchell River. As a South Australian senator and an Australian Greens senator, I want to see the health of our river systems made a government priority. Envirnomental flows must be obtained and protected so that enough water remains within the rivers for them to survice.

I look forward to discussing these issues with Mr Ingram, and determining how we can work constructively together in the future. He will find my door and phone line are always accessible.

As always, accurate information on Greens policy and media statements can be found on our website,

yours etc

Sarah Hanson-Young,

Greens Senator for South Australia